Koloviko, who could not immediately give figures of teenage pregnancies, said the district public health facilities receive close to 30 youths every month with problems that occurs due to unsafe abortion.

But a visit to Makungwa Health Centre revealed that the facility treats almost one case of teenage pregnancy a week.

“As of now, I do not have readily available figures for teenage pregnancies, but we have the data that is showing that teenage pregnancies are on rise in the district.

“Apart from the health problems I have mentioned, there is also the problem of sexually transmitted infections among the youth in the district,” she added.

According to Koloviko, only nine out of 28 health facilities in the district provide youth-friendly heath services.

Thyolo district youth officer Doreen Mbendera said it is worrisome that those highly affected are within the age groups of 13 to 18 years.